Thai bank employees arrested for aiding $60Mn Chinese call center scam
PATTAYA, THAILAND — Three Thai bank employees have been arrested for allegedly helping a Chinese crime syndicate launder over 2.2 billion baht (US$60 million) through fraudulent accounts tied to a massive call center scam.
The arrests highlight a growing trend of foreign fraud gangs infiltrating Thailand’s financial system, prompting authorities to push for stricter banking controls.
Bank insiders facilitated scam operation
The suspects—Ms. Sirilak, Ms. Chutima, and Mr. Songpol—ignored red flags during the account openings, enabling the syndicate to withdraw 91 million baht (US$2.7 million) from 118 million baht (US$3.6 million) deposited before fleeing the country.
Investigators linked the operation to 106 fraud cases involving over 2,000 victims.
The arrests expose vulnerabilities in Thailand’s financial oversight, as criminals exploited lax due diligence to funnel illicit funds.
Authorities warn that foreign scam rings are now bypassing local “money mules” and entering Thailand themselves, a shift from previous tactics. Police are urging banks to tighten verification processes, particularly for foreign account applicants, to prevent further exploitation.
Crackdown on transnational cybercrime networks
This incident highlights that more cybercriminal activities often cross borders, as seen in the case of Chinese nationals abusing tourist visas to organize large-scale scams in Thailand.
Four men—Mr. Yang, Mr. Xie, Mr. Hang, and Mr. Wu—are charged with fraud, money laundering, and breaching Thailand’s laws against using computers to commit crimes.
Among the arrested suspects were Thai nationals Ms. Monthida, the interpreter, and Mr. Narongrit, the agent, for their part in the group’s activities.
The government is stepping up efforts to shut down these networks, which prey on people worldwide through scam calls and the internet. The Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) is collaborating with banks to monitor unusual transactions and enhance enforcement of regulations.
This case signals a broader crackdown as Thailand seeks to protect its banking system from becoming a hub for international financial crime.
